Restoration of the Historic Old Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys

Henry Flagler’s Florida Keys Overseas Railroad was a marvel in its day, a feat of engineering connecting mainland Florida to the country’s southernmost point, Key West, located 90 miles away. This significant infrastructure project included the Old Seven Mile Bridge, which debuted in 1912 and served as the main link to and between the Keys until 1982, when the new Seven Mile Bridge opened alongside it. Notably, the old structure was converted to accommodate automobiles in 1938 after the railway operations ceased in 1935.

The Evolution of the Old Seven Mile Bridge

Over the years, the 2.2-mile section of the retired Old Seven Bridge, stretching from Marathon to Pigeon Key, evolved into a beloved fishing pier and recreational area for locals and visitors alike. This section has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kelly McKinnon, executive director of the Pigeon Key Foundation, described it as “more of a linear park.”

Renovations for Safety and Longevity

Ensuring the safety and longevity of the structure was essential; consequently, in 2017, the Old Seven closed to pedestrians for $44 million worth of renovations. This project, part of a 30-year agreement involving Monroe County, Marathon, and the Florida Department of Transportation, aimed to fund restoration and establish a maintenance program for the landmark’s preservation.

Upgrades to Enhance Visitor Experience

The restoration work focused on making the bridge safer for continued recreational use and included:

• Structural steel repairs
• Spalling and bridge joint system upgrades
• New decking and pedestrian/bicycle handrails
• Other enhancements

Construction wrapped up ahead of schedule, leading to a celebratory ribbon-cutting event on the Marathon side of the bridge.

A Gateway to Pigeon Key

Now, this stretch of the bridge runs parallel to the modern-day Seven Mile Bridge and the Florida Keys Overseas Highway— the sole road connecting the Keys from top to bottom. Pedestrians can again walk, run, cycle, or rollerblade 65 feet above the serene blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, free from vehicular traffic.

In addition to being a popular spot for fresh salt air, Old Seven serves as a gateway to Pigeon Key, a five-acre island that once housed the 400 workers who constructed Flagler’s railroad. Located just below the terminus of the pedestrian-accessible section of Old Seven, this historic island now features a railroad museum and original structures dating back to the early 1900s. It offers a picturesque setting for locals incorporating a view into their morning cardio routine.

Community Efforts to Preserve History

Richard Russell, board chair of the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation and descendant of Islamorada’s original settlers, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m thrilled that our county and other entities made a concerted effort to restore a treasured landmark. There’s a rich and diverse history associated with the Seven Mile Bridge and Pigeon Key.”

Although the restored bridge is still closed to vehicular traffic, a new 60-passenger tram connecting Marathon to Pigeon Key is expected to launch this spring. Back on the mainland, visitors can enjoy an ending to their day at the Sunset Grille & Raw Bar for some of the finest sunset views in the Keys, followed by a stay at Isla Bella Beach Resort for a touch of tropical luxury.